AP Baby

"Geesh, it's not like the chickenpox is going to suddenly cause everyone to drop dead. I just don't understand some people."

That's a quote from some random anti-vaxer on a random anti-vax message board.

On the other hand, I don't understand why anti-vaccine folks seem to think that death is the only bad thing that can happen to you. "Complications of chickenpox can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or a severe bacterial infection (immunize.org)." Don't miss these photos for a graphic warning about the potential complications of chickenpox, and when you're done there, please read these case reports of people who've died of chickenpox.

I don't understand why the idea that vaccines are not 100% effective would make anyone LESS LIKELY to get vaccinated. Shouldn't that make you more likely to get vaccinated? I know the anti-vaxers claim that herd immunity is a myth, but I wonder if they'd be as strident about that if they lived in an area without a strong committment to immunization. (They *say* they would. It's easy to say that when you live protected by the US herd.)

I also don't understand the blase' attitude about time spent sick during childhood. I'd like my child to be able to enjoy the benefits of the life modern medicine can give her, with LESS time spent suffering during her childhood, and more time playing and learning. She is going to get sick regardless, but shouldn't I as a mother protect her as much as I can from that?